Windows Phone 7 Gets Games

Microsoft announced a full slate of gaming titles for Windows Phone 7 (due in phones by Christmas). Guitar Hero, Halo:Waypoint, Star Wars and other well-known titles are on the list of 60 games to be offered at launch via Xbox LIVE.

The software giant considers its new phone OS a new gaming platform, like the Xbox. “Windows Phone 7 is the launch of a major gaming platform for Microsoft. Just like we’ve done with Xbox 360, our charter is to push the envelope and deliver definitive games that maximize the platform,” said Matt Booty, general manager of mobile gaming for Microsoft Game Studios (MGS). The aim is to put Xbox LIVE “in the palm of your hand,” said Microsoft.

Engadget gives the gaming capability of WP7 a thumbs up. Some pluses are: LIVE on WP7 allows for full avatar integration with fully interactive, fully rendered avatars Most of the Xbox LIVE experience is transferred to the phone including messaging, friend lists with status updates, and achievements LIVE offers a try-before-you-buy preview

One detractor is that full multi-player gaming won’t be offered at launch although Microsoft is hinting it will be added down the road.